Riverland Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa, Zeta Et Chapter recently returned from the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention, where we received the following recognition:

One of the TOP 100 Chapters of the 1300 PTK International Chapters.

Emeritus Advisor Award, Sue Grove.

In March, the Zeta Eta Chapter also received Minn-kota Regional recognition for:

2015-16 Most Distinguished Chapter, Minn-Kota Region.

2015-16 first place, Honors in Action Project, Minn-Kota Region

2015-16 first place College Project, Minn-Kota Region

2015-16 Honors in Action Distinguished Theme Award, Minn-Kota Region.

“We are so very proud of the hard work our students completed in order to receive such prestigious recognition,” said Heidi Schara, one of the faculty advisors for Riverland’s chapter. “Our small group is growing significantly, as we added more than 60 new members this year!  Twenty-four of those new members joined us April 5 to be formally inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. ”

To be eligible for Phi Theta Kappa membership, a first-semester freshman must be a full-time student and have earned a 3.25 or higher grade point average. Sophomores must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. To remain in good standing, students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Riverland’s chapter was also recognized as most distinguished chapter, 2015-16 recipient of most distinguished college project, Honors in Action project and theme awards.

Phi Theta Kappa, the International honorary scholastic society for two-year colleges, was founded in 1918 and is recognized by the American Association of Junior College in 1929. It is the respected fraternity demanding scholarship, service and leadership. Today, Phi Theta Kappa has more than 800 chapters throughout the United States. The Riverland Community College Chapter, Zeta Eta was founded in 1947.

According to a press release, Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is a community college that has inspired personal success through education for 75 years. Approximately 4,900 students are served annually through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities. An additional 5,400 students are annually served in non-credit courses. Campuses are located in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna. Riverland may be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system includes 24 two-year community and technical colleges and seven state universities serving more than 420,000 students. It is the fifth-largest higher education system of its kind in the United States.